Crime
16-year-old Matthiaz Cantre Lauti Ioane-Register charged with 4 counts of murder in WestFest shooting
A 16-year-old boy has been formally charged with four counts of aggravated murder in connection with the June 15 shooting at the WestFest Carnival in West Valley City, which left three people dead — including a pregnant woman — and multiple others injured.
During a press conference on Friday, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced that Matthiaz Cantre Lauti Ioane-Register, 16, will be prosecuted as an adult.
Gill stated that Ioane-Register is facing a total of 13 criminal charges related to the incident, including four counts of aggravated murder.
The charges stem from a mass shooting that occurred around 9:15 p.m. on the final night of the WestFest Carnival at Centennial Park.
According to the West Valley City Police Department (WVCPD), the teen suspect opened fire, allegedly targeting 18-year-old Hassan Lugundi of West Valley City, who died at the scene.
Two other victims, 41-year-old Fnu Reena of West Jordan and an 8-month-old baby boy, were struck by gunfire and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Reena, who was eight weeks pregnant at the time, was not related to the infant. Due to her pregnancy, an additional count of murder was filed.
In total, five people were shot during the incident. In addition to the three fatalities, a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were both wounded and hospitalized with gunshot injuries to the arm.
They have since been released.
A pregnant woman attempting to escape was also injured while trying to climb a fence.
During the shooting, several officers were in the immediate area. One officer discharged a firearm at the suspect but did not strike him.
Due to the officers’ close proximity to the scene, the 16-year-old was taken into custody within seconds, according to WVCPD spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku.
The teen suspect was initially held in juvenile detention. Although his identity has now been released due to his adult charges, other minors involved in the case — including the infant and two teens who were injured — will not be publicly identified.
District Attorney Gill further confirmed that both the suspect and the intended target, Hassan Lugundi, were affiliated with gangs.
The shooting has had a profound impact on the local community and prompted renewed calls for action to prevent youth violence.
“Our hearts go out to the members of our community who have lost their loved ones,” Gill said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.